December 14, 2009As the international summit on climate change at Copenhagen enters its final week, we are asking you again to urge Prime Minister Harper to act seriously on climate change.A recent poll shows that Canadians share the same sense of urgency that scientists do in addressing climate change. However, the Canadian government is still on the path that has earned it the reputation of being a major obstacle to an effective agreement to address climate change. This is an embarrassment.
Whether or not you joined the hundreds who used last week’s climate change action alert to urge the Prime Minister to change Canada’s position (if you did, thanks for the help!), please use this opportunity while the negotiations continue in Copenhagen.Email Prime Minister Harper now!

Background

Scientists have known for decades that greenhouse gases are contributing to the warming of the planet by reflecting back heat radiating off the Earth's surface. The respected Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change periodically updates its climate change reports, and the results bear out the worst-case scenarios. This is not surprising, given that the concentration of greenhouse gases is a staggering 57 per cent higher than it was in 1750 – the chemistry of the air is dramatically changing. The risk was so compelling that governments negotiated the 1997 Kyoto Accord, a protocol of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. As a signatory, Canada committed to lowering its greenhouse gas emissions by six per cent below 1990 levels. However, business has unfortunately continued as usual. Federal government reports show that Canada now emits 26 per cent more than 1990 levels and 33.8 per cent above target levels. The current federal government has been widely criticized for its reluctance to meet commonly accepted targets.

Canadians and nurses are ready to deal with climate change. RNAO has endorsed the KYOTOplus greenhouse gas target for Canada of at least 25 per cent below 1990 by 2020 as the second phase of Kyoto. The Canadian Nurses' Association (CNA) has sent an open letter to the Prime Ministerasking him to set the same target[1]. The letter also asks him to help negotiate a strengthened Kyoto Protocol that binds signatories to capping and reducing greenhouse gases, and giving financial support to developing countries struggling with climate change. Please don’t delay. Act NOW.

Please tell Prime Minister Harper that you want leadership and strong action from Canada on climate change – for our health, for our planet’s health. Feel free to share some of your insights from your nursing practice on why getting serious about climate change is essential for good health. The leaders of the two national opposition parties will receive copies of your messages. Simply go to the link below, fill out the fields, personalize the letter as you like, and send. You do not need to insert your name into the letter itself. THANK YOU!!! Please write TODAY!